Westminster-Thurber enhancing the lives of those with memory loss and dementia

According to a report by the Alzheimer’s Association, nearly 40,000 people in central Ohio are
living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. That number is expected to triple by 2020.
Westminster-Thurber is working hard to create a new way to care for those dealing with memory loss
and dementia.

“We have a special neighborhood, called Bridgewater, that we have designed to help people manage
their lives more successfully,” said Joel Wrobbel, director of marketing for Westminster-Thurber. “
It’s a secure environment with a higher staffing ratio and specific plans and social programs to
help.”

Each resident has his or her own private studio apartment. Instead of rotating staff in and out
of the neighborhood, Wrobbel said Westminster-Thurber is committed to keeping residents and care
partners together.

“Consistent relationships between residents and staff lessens the confusion for the residents,”
Wrobbel said. “It’s another way we are providing a higher quality of care.”

Recently, Bridgewater care partners completed training on a new curriculum called Dementia
Beyond Drugs. The premise is that dementia is not only a disease and disability — it’s a shift in
the way a person experiences the world around him or her. At the Bridgewater neighborhood, the
staff first and
foremost recognizes the person and not the disease.To that point, the social programs and
life-enriching activities are key components of the care of the residents.

We encourage residents to develop their own social programs, but we also have numerous
life-enriching activities that are available,” Wrobbel said.

Westminster-Thurber, located at 717 Neil Ave., is a continuing care retirement community.
Westminster-Thurber Community has been serving central Ohio families since 1965. Respite care
services are also available at the Bridgewater neighborhood. For more information, call (614)
228-8888 or visit
www.westminsterthurber.org.